Hospitality & Tourism Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Sommelier Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median sommelier salary in Seattle, WA is $91,760 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$91,760
vs State Avg
+$20,460
vs National
+$29,760
Cost of Living
148%

Sommelier Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median sommelier salary of $91,760, which is $20,460 above the Washington state average of $71,300. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,760 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for sommeliers in Seattle spans from $47,360 at the 10th percentile to $185,000 at the 90th percentile — a $137,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,800, while senior sommeliers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,640. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Sommelier Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level sommelier earns around $51,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,640
+$56,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $47,360
25th Percentile $65,120
Median (50th) $91,760
75th Percentile $136,160
90th Percentile $185,000

Sommelier Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$94,240
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$68,200
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$63,240
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$57,040
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Sommelier in Seattle

Education

Most sommelier positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Seattle and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wine KnowledgeTastingFood PairingInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceSommelier Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, sommelier employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sommelier Jobs in Seattle

Browse open sommelier positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sommelier Salary in Seattle

How much does a Sommelier make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median sommelier salary in Seattle, Washington is $91,760 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $47,360 (10th percentile) to $185,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sommelier make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,760, a sommelier in Seattle earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for sommelier pay? ▼
Seattle's median sommelier salary of $91,760 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $71,300. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a sommelier salary of $91,760 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sommelier in Seattle? ▼
Most sommelier positions in Seattle require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Wine Knowledge, Tasting, Food Pairing, Inventory Management. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.